our mission

our mission

It and media education for remote africa

Learning Lions is a non-profit organization enabling young adults in impoverished rural areas of Eastern Africa to work, and to live a life full of opportunity while remaining in their home area.

The students are equipped with IT and media skills and are then encouraged to become entrepreneurs. Through selling digital services online they become self-sustaining and can even employ new cohorts of trainees.

In 2015 we started off in Turkana county, North Kenya, where traditional sources of income are extremely limited due to infertile soil and poor infrastructure.

impact strategy

impact strategy

from education to entrepreneurship

Our program is structured into three subsequent units: "Learning Lions" trains talented and motivated young adults with high value skills in the areas of programming, graphic design and media production.

The students from the educational program are then invited to stay on campus as trainees of "Digital Lions", our fair-trade IT-outsourcing agency. Here, they start working with international customers and gather hands-on business experience.

When the Lions feel confident in the contact with clients, the incubator "Startup Lions" provides them with the necessary funds and tools so that they can launch their own start-up and become economically independent.

The more you give, the more you get back

teaching approach

teaching approach

Basic Training

Learning Lions offers its students a structured learning plan with a fixed time-frame and clear learning objectives developed in close cooperation with our experienced partner Tunapanda. The training takes place at our campus in Lodwar, Turkana, where the students are also accommodated.

One important aspect of the 3-month training is to build the students’ computer skills and bring them to a level comparable to that of young adults in the developed world. Beyond that, students are trained in skills such as communication, teamwork and time management and gain their first insights into the different areas in which they can specialise in the Advanced Training.

Advanced Training

Those students who performed well in the Basic Training are invited to stay on campus for 6 months of specialised education. In close coordination with their mentors, students practice specific digital services which can be sold in global online marketplaces. In weekly review sessions they receive feedback on the quality of their work. In this way the students are prepared for real orders and can start working for clients at an early stage of their training.

Courses are delivered by a combination of local and oversea teachers – professionals who volunteer with us for short-term sabbaticals.

The disciplines taught include:

Software Development

Mobile Application Development

Web Development

Photography

Graphic Design

3D Design

Database Management

Digital Video and Film Production

Digital Sound and Music Production

Robotics

What it's all about?

"I will be forever grateful to Learning Lions for the skills and opportunity they gave me."

eric otieno

3D designer

anna wanjiku

web designer and it coach

Hi my name is Anna Wanjiku, am 22 years old from Lodwar. Before joining Learning Lions I wanted to attend college and study accounting, but due to family issues, it was not possible. I received an offer to join Learning Lions where I developed a passion for IT and web designing. I also got empowered through Tech Dada girls empowerment program. I am starting as an assistant teacher at Learning Lions and want to build my career in IT. By now I can support my family and myself. Thank you, Learning Lions!

abraham enomatt

programmer

Hi, I am Abraham Enomatt, 20, from Lodwar. I have always been passionate about computers. I wanted to be a video director and a photographer, but due to lack of school fees, I never went to college. I have just joined the Learning Lions Advanced Training as a programmer, though I still practice photography and filming which I love. Ideally, I would like to make a living as a software engineer. I hope Learning Lions continues in Turkana to help improve young peoples’ lives, like it did mine. Thank you!

joan awour

FRONT-END DEVELOPER

Hi, I am Joan Awour, 20, from Kisumu but raised and went to school in Lodwar. Growing up I always wanted to be a nurse, but one day my dream changed when I saw my uncle using a computer. When I got the opportunity of joining Learning Lions, I was very excited. I learned both technical and soft skills. Now I want to be among the best web designers in the world. From a shy girl to a confident lady I thank Learning Lions and Tech Dada - the girls empowerment program at Learning Lions. Thank you for the opportunity!

MOURINE APUU

FRONT-END DEVELOPER, PHOTOGRAPHER AND IT COACH

My name is Mourine Apuu, I am 24 years old and I am from Lodwar. Growing up in Turkana as a young woman and a mother is not so easy but I had my dreams of one day empowering my fellow ladies in my community through education. I had lost hope when I could not afford to finish school. I was lucky to join Learning Lions. I went through the intensive 3 months training at the centre and gladly joined the Learning Lions Advanced Training as an assistant teacher in digital photography, web design and music production. Thank you!

DERRICK NGINYA

GRAPHIC DESIGNER AND IT COACH

Hi my name is Derrick Nginya, am 25 years old from Lodwar. A few years ago I was not sure about my future but I loved graphic design, since I could not afford to go to school I decided to join Learning Lions program after I passed the interviews. At the centre I loved graphic design classes and I learned a lot in the entire course. I want to be a great graphic designer in Kenya, currently I am an assistant IT coach and I am grateful to Learning Lions for helping me realize my dreams. Now I am sure of my future!

KEVIN NAKWAWI

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Hi, I’m Kevin Nakwawi from Lodwar, 23. I am passionate about graphic design and music. At Learning Lions I used software that helped change my interest into skills. I later joined the Advanced Training to specialise in graphic design, and now am in an environment that helps me practice. Later I want to start my own business in graphic design and music production. Learning Lions has helped young people to be a part of a good course and avoid idleness and engaging in crimes. Thank you, Learning Lions!

ERIC OTIENO

3D DESIGNER

Hi, I am Eric Otieno, 31 from Lodwar. I had always enjoyed drawing before I joined Learning Lions. My views on design then changed and I developed an interest in 3D Design. Learning how to use the creative software Blender was cool because I got to create my designs from scratch. In the future, I want to be a great 3D animator and create my own advertising company. I will be forever grateful to Learning Lions for the skills and opportunity they gave me. By now I see a bright future after having lost so much hope and time!